Fortune: an Innovative Video Series for Language Learning

As you may have gathered from our site, Facebook page, or Twitter, we have a new project out: The Fortune Series, a coursebook with a focus on pragmatics and speaking built around an original 6-episode video series for language learning. The drama, which resembles NCIS or Law and Order or any of those popular TV dramas, students are already watching, was created by the award-winning production team, Chasing Time.

Some highlights of this original and innovation video series for language learning include:

Works as a supplemental text or short module/elective class on communication

Teachers book contains teacher notes with suggestions on how to present the material, and ways to adapt it, a complete answer key, and extension activities.

Videos are available for free on YouTube or compiled on a USB (Coming soon).

When Chasing Time English approached me about this project, I did a little research on them, and found this nice interview from ELTJam from last year that explains some of the rationale behind the project:

As a writer with both a filmmaking and teaching background, I’ve always been amazed (or concerned!) that not enough really exists in this area. There is a tonne of content available, and we’re not trying to say that that doesn’t exist, but what I have found is that there is a dearth of high quality, dramatic narrative video for English language learners.

Educators find themselves in a position where they’re forced to choose between using popular TV shows or content from educational institutions. I often use Friends as an example of the former; it’s a great show and there is a lot of value there, but it’s designed for an English speaking audience and it’s not original content. As such, any time you’re using it, you’re really restricted. The other option is the video material that English language organisations create that, to put it kindly, doesn’t really fit the bill of what you’re looking for if you’re watching something for entertainment. So, I think we found an interesting gap in the market.